Course Overview

Dr. Heiner Fruehaufs master class on Chinese herbal medicine deepens the lifelong learner’s mastery of herbal prescribing by rooting their understanding in classical principles and practices. It accommodates the needs and interests of all levels, from students of Chinese medicine and newer practitioners to seasoned practitioners who are ever-refining their capacity to successfully treat any condition presented in the clinic. For each of eight major herb families, Heiner describes the energetic properties of the lead herb, common herb pairs, and the major herbal formulas. Case examples are presented to provide a clinical context for learning the indications for particular formulas within each family. With this base of knowledge, practitioners can stand on firm ground while being flexible in their ability to design herbal treatments that effectively treat the complex patterns manifesting in our increasingly out-of-balance world. In this third session devoted to the Chaihu formula family, Heiner compares more of the main formulas in the Chaihu family, discussing their therapeutic actions, indications, and clinical applications. The focus is primarily on formulas in which Chaihu is paired with Dahuang. Case studies are used to explain how to modify/combine formulas to address specific presenting patterns.

Course Objectives

• Discuss the pairing of Chaihu with Dahuang (Rhubarb). What are the properties and actions of these herbs, individually and when paired?
• Compare and contrast two major Chaihu family formulas that contain the Chaihu-Dahuang pairing-- Da Chaihu Tang and Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang. Include historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.
• Discuss the Chaihu family formula Longdan Xiegan Tang. Include historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.
• Of the Chaihu family formulas discussed, explain your choice of the most appropriate formula to treat common patient presentations.
• Craft modifications to Chaihu formulas, and/or suggest formula combinations that will achieve a desired therapeutic effect for specific presenting patterns.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minHeiner discusses the pairing of Chaihu with Dahuang (Rhubarb). Emphasis is on the energetic properties and clinical indications.

30 min - 1 hrsHeiner discusses two major Chaihu formulas made with the Chaihu-Dahuang pairing--Da Chaihu Tang and Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang. He includes history, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

1 hrs - 1.5 hrsHeiner continues discussing the main Chaihu formulas made with a pairing with Dahuang (Rhubarb). The focus is on case studies and the exploration of possible modifications and/or combinations.

1.5 hrs - 2 hrsHeiner discusses the Chaihu family formula Longdan Xiegan Tang. He includes historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples.

2 hrs - 2.5 hrsThe final 30 minutes will be devoted to a question and answer period. Questions will be selected from those posted in the zoom chat based on relevance for the whole group.